Lars Frevert has been selected as one of your Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party candidates for Hazlehead, Queens Cross & Countesswells, standing alongside fellow Conservative Ken McLeod. Lars said, “Having lived in this ward for many years, I care deeply for the community I hope to represent.”
Lars has a wealth of experience in the oil & gas and financial sectors, and understands the key issues affecting the economy and jobs in Aberdeen. Lars now works developing policy relating to Information security, cyber security and national security.
Following years of economic mismanagement by the SNP and local government funding cuts which have devastated local communities across Scotland, the Scottish Conservatives have an economic plan that will work for everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, means that the road to recovery is paved with difficult decisions.
Lars said,
“I want what’s best for the people who live and work in Aberdeen, regardless of political persuasion. If elected, I will work closely with our community. I will be a strong voice for all residents, making sure every residents' voice is heard. With your vote, you have the power to choose.”
Making sure no pupil is left behind
Education has been one of the biggest casualties of SNP policies resulting in socioeconomic inequality across the education system. Every child in Scotland has a right to good education, and we must give them the best possible start in life. While Aberdeen has a number of highly ranked schools, many parents have now abandoned Aberdeen’s state system, despite the huge expense of private education.
Lars said, “We must act now to reverse the SNP’s attainment gap between children from the richest and poorest backgrounds. I want our Council to reduce social disparities within our local schools to give children the best learning opportunities possible.”
Opposing overdevelopment of local housing sites
Lars was saddened to learn that Countesswells Development Limited was placed into administration. The developer failed to provide funding for the new schools and many of the other promised facilities. As a result, families who bought homes in good faith may now find that their property value has been negatively impacted, with access to local education possibly being delayed even further.
The Council is also likely to face additional costs to cover the shortfall in developer obligations, and there is some uncertainty over the wider future of the development. Lars said,
“If elected, I will be working hard to prevent the overdevelopment of housing sites within our ward, ensuring that the necessary schools, transport, and health care infrastructure is in place for all approved developments.”
Protecting our jobs and the local economy
It was hugely disappointing to hear that Shell pulled out of developing the Cambo oilfield, although not surprising after First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, “I don’t think Cambo should get the green light”.
The SNP and Greens want to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. However, they have failed to offer any viable plans on how to achieve Aberdeen’s energy transition without increasing our dependency on imported fossil fuels and causing significant damage to our local economy and our jobs.
Lars said,
“The recovery of hydrocarbons accounts for more than one-third of Aberdeen’s economy. While there is no question that Aberdeen must diversify and invest into renewable energy, structural changes to our economy must be underpinned by sensible discussions around how to deliver this energy transformation while maintaining jobs and energy security. I am dedicated to ensuring that this happens.”
